Transport Strategy Lead **Internal Only**

Culina; Salford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus

Private Medical Cover

Company car or car Allowance

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Eye Care Vouchers

Reward & Recognition

Everyday Discounts

Job summary

Culina is seeking a Transport Strategy Lead to shape the future of transport across the Contract Logistics network. You will turn complex data into practical strategies that improve network efficiency, strengthen customer service and deliver measurable commercial results.

Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll lead transport strategy, network design and fleet optimisation, working with Operations, Commercial, Finance and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in transport, logistics or supply chain within a multi-site environment.
• Proven track record of transport strategy, network optimisation and large-scale transformation.
• Advanced capability in transport modelling, data analytics and cost-to-serve analysis.
• Strong commercial awareness with understanding fleet economics, subcontracting, pricing and margins.
• Ability to influence executive-level decisions and align teams without direct authority.
• Experience implementing standardised planning frameworks across dispersed sites.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders and strategic customers.
• Autonomy and resilience to lead cross-functional change and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the transport strategy and annual Transport Optimisation Plan.
• Lead network design and fleet strategy, sizing, capacity modelling and asset deployment.
• Improve fleet utilisation, reduce empty miles and subcontracting.
• Develop advanced transport modelling and scenario planning for investments.
• Produce cost-to-serve analysis and business cases using data and tools.
• Embed standardised planning frameworks and reduce duplicated effort.
• Support tenders, customer solutions and contract renewals through modelling.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and strategic customers to design scalable transport solutions.
• Track optimisation benefits and carbon performance, reporting to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Transport strategy

Network design

Data analytics

Cost-to-serve

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional leadership

Tools

Power BI

TMS

Job description

Company Description

Culina is the UK’s leading independent specialist supply chain partner, trusted by some of the nation’s best recognised food, fast-moving consumer goods (FMGC) and retail brands. We're proud to employ over 22,000 colleagues across 100+ locations nationwide, supported by a fleet of more than 5,500 trucks and trailers delivering every day.

We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Contract Logistics division – through flexible warehousing, transport and fulfilment solutions, we simplify complexity, drive continuous improvement and create exceptional experiences for customers. Delivering certainty. Creating value. Enabling growth.

Job Description

Shape the future of transport across the Contract Logistics network as our Transport Strategy Lead. This is an opportunity to turn complex data into practical strategies that improve network efficiency, strengthen customer service and deliver measurable commercial results.
Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll lead transport strategy, network design and fleet optimisation, working closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance and senior leaders. You’ll provide functional leadership across teams, influencing decisions and driving change without direct authority. While the role has no direct budget ownership, your work will influence multi-million-pound cost, revenue and margin outcomes.

• Develop and deliver the transport strategy and annual Transport Optimisation Plan, prioritising initiatives that deliver measurable PBT and EBIT improvements.
• Lead network design and fleet strategy, covering fleet sizing, capacity modelling, peak planning and asset deployment.
• Improve fleet utilisation, reduce empty miles and reliance on subcontracted transport, and strengthen service performance and core fleet profitability.
• Develop advanced transport modelling and scenario planning to support investment decisions, strategic change and sustainable network improvements.
• Produce robust cost-to-serve analysis, commercial models and business cases using operational data and tools such as TMS, TCT and Power BI.
• Provide a consistent source of transport insight, embedding standardised planning and analytical frameworks and reducing duplication across the business.
• Support tenders, customer solutions and contract renewals through network design, modelling and commercial insight.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and strategic customers to develop scalable, profitable transport solutions that enhance customer value.
• Track optimisation benefits and sustainability improvements, including carbon performance and miles per pallet, and communicate clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in transport, logistics or supply chain within a complex, multi-site environment.
• A proven track record of delivering transport strategy, network optimisation and large-scale transformation.
• Advanced capability in transport modelling, data analytics and cost-to-serve analysis.
• Strong commercial awareness, with a deep understanding of fleet economics, subcontracting, pricing, margin drivers and risk.
• The ability to influence executive-level decisions and build alignment across teams without direct authority.
• Experience developing and implementing standardised planning and operational frameworks across dispersed sites.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders and strategic customers, balancing service requirements with commercial objectives.
• The autonomy, resilience and professional judgement to lead cross-functional change and deliver results.

Additional Information

If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact, develop your career, and be part of a team that works as one to achieve great results, we'd love to hear from you.

• Company Bonus - we achieve more when we work together, that’s why we celebrate our shared success through our bonus scheme.
• Private Medical Cover - enjoy peace of mind with access to Bupa^s healthcare services.
• Company car or car Allowance - providing additional support and flexibility to help you stay mobile and connected.
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme - our salary sacrifice scheme offers a cost-effective way to drive an electric vehicle, with payments taken directly from your salary. Eligibility and salary thresholds apply.
• Wellbeing Support – your wellbeing matters to us. Through our Employee Assistance Programme, you'll have 24/7 access to confidential counselling and legal support, whenever you need it.
• Eye Care Vouchers – free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition – we love celebrating great work, we recognise those who go above and beyond.
• Everyday Discounts – our benefits platform gives you access to discounts from over 50 leading retailers, helping your money go further every day.